New vehicle sales surge in June

Monday, 5 July 2004, 8:20 pm
Press Release: Motor Industry Association

The new vehicle market surged ahead again in June, reaching levels not seen in the midwinter month for twenty years. Total new vehicle sales were 9738, exactly 2000 units ahead of May and representing a massive 25.8% increase on the previous month.

Passenger car sales reached 7159, 22% ahead of May. The first half-year totaled 32,637, 9.3% ahead of the same period in 2003, and 43% ahead of 1998, which was the year before the market commenced its current longer term recovery. Commercial vehicle sales were even further ahead, with 2579 June sales representing a 38% lift on May. It was the biggest June for new commercials since 1982.

“Clearly, both private and business customers are continuing to take advantage of the great value represented by new vehicles,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “These are very strong figures and an encouraging indication that the new vehicle industry is more than holding its growth trend against higher interest rates and other moderating economic factors.”

Toyota continues to edge ahead of Ford in both passenger and commercial sales, and these two are increasing the gap back to third-placed Holden. Commodore and Falcon are having a close battle for top-selling model. Falcon led Commodore by only six units in May, with Commodore ahead by just ten in June. Commodore remains in front by over 400 year to date however.

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